Member Spotlight: Charleys Kids Foundation

Member Spotlight by [Charleys Kids Foundation]

Provide us with a brief summary of your business’ services

Charleys Kids Foundation supports the Children’s Tutoring Initiative, which partners with local elementary schools across Central Ohio to connect students with caring, consistent volunteers from their own communities. Volunteers commit to giving just one hour a week during the school year to tutor students one-on-one, building essential reading skills, confidence, and a love of learning through research-based literacy lessons.

That individual attention not only accelerates reading growth, but also creates meaningful mentorships many students deeply need. The program is completely free for both students and volunteers. Charleys Kids Foundation covers the cost of background checks and program materials, removing barriers to service.

This year, Charleys Kids Foundation also launched Leaders Arise, a new initiative that trains high school students to serve as reading mentors to younger elementary students in their communities.

The impact of our partnerships extends beyond the classroom. Students gain confidence, stronger literacy foundations, and a trusted mentor who shows up for them each week. Volunteers consistently share that tutoring benefits them through lower stress levels, improved cognitive health, stronger social connections, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Tell us about your company’s mission and values

We aim to strengthen communities worldwide by partnering with local programs that provide children with the critical resources to succeed through a three-fold focus on education, mentorship, and healthy food. Our work is grounded in the belief that every child deserves consistent support, positive role models, and access to opportunities that help them reach their full potential.

What are the services you use the most (or are looking forward to using) from the Columbus Chamber?

We are looking forward to building meaningful relationships through the Chamber and learning more about the people, partnerships, and businesses that make Columbus thrive. Our team continues to be inspired by the compassion and purpose we see across Central Ohio. We hope to collaborate, share resources, and form partnerships that strengthen our outreach, expand volunteer engagement, and ultimately allow us to serve more students. We are especially excited to connect with Chamber members who are interested in volunteering in local school districts and becoming reading mentors who help open new possibilities for students.

How do you stay engaged with trends that you see in your industry?

We stay engaged with industry trends by maintaining close partnerships with local schools, businesses and community organizations. We also stay closely connected to workforce and community engagement trends, including the growing recognition of volunteerism as an essential part of employee well-being and corporate responsibility. As more Ohio organizations offer paid volunteer time, we intentionally create meaningful, structured opportunities that fit within the workday, making it easy for employees to serve as reading mentors in local schools. We also place strong value on feedback from teachers and volunteers, allowing us to continuously refine our curriculum and mentorship model.

What is your company culture like?

Our culture is rooted in collaboration, service, and a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of students. Being the philanthropic branch of Charleys Cheesesteaks, Bibibop, and Lenny’s gives us the unique opportunity to work alongside teams across our business partners, allowing us to exchange ideas, broaden our perspective, and expand our outreach. This environment encourages innovation, teamwork, and a deep sense of purpose in everything we do.

What does it take to be a successful employee at your company?

Successful employees and volunteers at Charleys Kids Foundation are compassionate, dependable, and deeply committed to student success. They care about personal and professional growth, value collaboration, and provide consistent, encouraging feedback that helps build confidence and inspire young people.

What makes Columbus such a great place to do business?

Columbus is a great place to do business because of its strong partnerships, an engaged volunteer base, and shared commitment to building a better future for local families. Charleys Kids Foundation is building the future workforce for Central Ohio. Partnering with local business professionals as reading mentors, provides students the opportunity to see themselves in future careers. This is what makes Columbus such a great place to do business; we have caring adults who are ready to spread hope, and the joy of literacy to the next generation.

Charleys Kids Foundation was established in 2010 by founder Charley Shin, a Columbus resident and local business owner. Charley is the founder and CEO of Charleys Cheesesteaks and the owner of Bibibop and Lenny’s. He opened his first cheesesteak restaurant on High Street while he was a student at The Ohio State University, and both the Charleys and Bibibop brands were built right here in Central Ohio.

The Foundation was created to support youth through education, food access, and mentorship. Its leadership of the Children’s Tutoring Initiative reflects a long-term commitment to investing back into the Columbus community and supporting the next generation.

Children’s Tutoring Initiative has been serving Columbus families for more than 20 years, with deep roots in the neighborhoods we call home. Our success is driven by the dedication of our business volunteers who consistently choose to invest their time in local students. As Columbus continues to grow, we are grateful to be part of a community that consistently shows up to support and invest in its children.

Social Media:
X: https://x.com/charleyskids/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CMZNj2wGV/?mibextid=wwXIfr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/charleys-kids/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charleyskids/
Website: https://www.charleyskids.org